Tree stand system

ABSTRACT

A tree stand system is provided for facilitating installing, orienting, and securing a tree within a tree stand. The tree stand system may include a hub that is attachable to a tree trunk. The tree stand system may also include a hub receptacle for adjustably supporting the hub in the tree stand.

FIELD

Disclosed embodiments are related to a tree stand system.

BACKGROUND

Tree stands are used for holding an artificial tree or cut natural tree, in an upright position. Tree stands also typically include a reservoir for holding water to water a natural tree to help maintain the freshness of the tree.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a tree stand system comprises a hub constructed and arranged to be attached to a tree trunk and a base constructed and arranged to be removably positioned within a reservoir of a tree stand. The base includes a hub receptacle constructed and arranged to adjustably support the hub on the base.

In another embodiment, a method comprises: attaching a hub to a tree trunk; positioning a base within a reservoir of a tree stand, the base including a hub receptacle constructed and arranged to adjustably support the hub on the base; inserting the tree trunk into the tree stand; and positioning the hub within the hub receptacle.

In another embodiment, a tree stand system comprises a tree stand including a reservoir that is constructed and arranged to receive a tree trunk therein. The tree stand system also comprises a hub receptacle located at a bottom portion of the reservoir. The hub receptacle is constructed and arranged to support a hub attached to a tree trunk. The tree stand system also comprises a guide surface at least partially surrounding and angled in a downward direction towards the hub receptacle to guide the hub towards the hub receptacle.

In another embodiment, a tree stand system comprises a base constructed and arranged to be positioned within a reservoir of a tree stand. The base includes a through hole constructed and arranged to accommodate features located within the reservoir.

It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a tree supported by a typical tree stand;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a tree supported by a tree stand using a tree stand insert according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of the tree, the tree stand insert, and the tree stand of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a schematic cross sectional view of the tree stand insert installed in the tree stand taken along line 4A-4A of FIG. 3 illustrating the tree being oriented and positioned within the tree stand using the tree stand insert;

FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tree of FIG. 4A being oriented within the tree stand using the tree stand insert;

FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of a tree stand insert according to another illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tree stand insert of FIG. 5 taken along line 6-6 installed in a tree stand;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a hub including a channel on an upper surface of the hub facing a tree trunk when attached thereto according to another illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a tree stand insert according to another illustrative embodiment shown in a retracted configuration;

FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of the tree stand insert of FIG. 8A shown in an extended configuration;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tree stand insert shown in an extended configuration installed in the bottom of a tree stand taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8B; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tree stand including a hub and an integral hub receptacle according to another illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventor has recognized several limitations associated with typical tree stands. More specifically, the inventor has recognized that it can be difficult to insert and orient a tree within a typical tree stand. It can also be difficult to subsequently remove the tree from the tree stand. Consequently, there is a need to facilitate installing, orienting, and securing a tree within a tree stand, as well as removing the tree from the tree stand.

In view of the above, the inventor has recognized benefits associated with employing a hub that is attachable to a tree trunk and is supportable by a base located within a tree stand. The base may include a hub receptacle configured to receive and/or support the hub. The hub receptacle may have any desired shape suitable for receiving and supporting the hub in a manner that allows the tree to be located, oriented and/or rotated into a desired position within the stand. For example, the hub receptacle may be configured with a flat angled surface, a curved surface, a semispherical surface, or any other appropriate shape. The hub may be configured with any appropriate shape suitable for being accepted and retained by, and cooperating with, the hub receptacle. For example, the hub may be configured with a semispherical, rounded, partial ovoid, or other appropriate shape as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the hub receptacle and hub may have complementary shapes. In one embodiment, the tree stand system may employ a hub and hub receptacle having a ball-and-socket type arrangement. However, embodiments are also contemplated in which the hub receptacle and hub do not have complementary shapes.

The hub may be attached to a tree trunk using any appropriate fastening arrangement. For example, in one embodiment, the hub may be attached to a tree trunk using a fastener, such as a nail. In such an arrangement, a nail may be integrated with the hub, or it may be inserted through a hole extending through the hub. In either case, the nail can be hammered into an end of a tree trunk to attach the hub to the tree. However, the hub may be attached using any suitable fastener or arrangement as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, appropriate fasteners may include screws, adhesives, tacks, staples, and/or clips to name a few.

The base may be integrated with a tree stand, or the base may be a separate insert that can be inserted into or installed on a tree stand. For example, in one embodiment, the base may be located or installed within a reservoir of the tree stand.

In instances where the base is a separate insert, the base may be adjusted between a smaller or retracted configuration and a larger or expanded configuration to accommodate a reservoir size of a particular tree stand. The size or configuration of the insert may be adjusted either prior to or after insertion of the insert into the reservoir of the tree stand as the disclosure is not so limited. In some embodiments, adjusting the size or configuration of the base to accommodate a particular reservoir size or configuration may also help to locate the hub receptacle of the base at or near the center of the reservoir. In addition to the above, embodiments are contemplated in which a base is simply positioned within a reservoir of a tree stand without adjusting a size or configuration of the base to fit the reservoir. In either case, the hub and corresponding base facilitate insertion, orientation, and rotation of a tree within a tree stand.

When the hub is attached to a tree trunk and positioned within the hub receptacle of a base, a tree may be easily positioned, oriented, and/or rotated within a tree stand prior to securing the tree in place using the retention members provided with the tree stand, such as screws, bolts, clamping devices, and other appropriate arrangements. One particular advantage of using the hub and corresponding hub receptacle is the ability to easily rotate the tree, for example up to 360°, within the stand to expose a desired side of the tree without moving the tree stand. In addition to facilitating the placement and alignment of a tree within a tree stand, the hub and base arrangement may also facilitate the removal of the tree from a tree stand since a user may simply loosen the retention members of the tree stand and remove the tree without the need to pull the tree off from a spike or other retaining feature located within the tree stand reservoir. Depending on the particular embodiment, the hub may then either be removed from the tree for subsequent use with another tree, or the hub may be left attached to and disposed of with the tree.

In some instances, the base of a tree trunk may not be completely flat or perpendicular to the trunk axis, for example, after the tree trunk has been cut or trimmed at an angle. Consequently, when the tree is oriented in a vertical orientation, the hub may be oriented at an angle relative to the corresponding base and hub receptacle. By properly sizing and shaping the hub relative to the hub receptacle of the base, the hub may be positioned at an angle relative to the base while still supporting the tree trunk. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, a hub may include a surface that engages with the hub receptacle and extends over a solid angle that is greater than a solid angle of the corresponding hub receptacle in order to fully support the hub when they are angled relative to each other. While the hub and hub receptacle may be constructed to accommodate any desired angle, in some embodiments, the hub and hub receptacle may be constructed to be positioned up to an angle between or equal to about 10° to 30° relative to each other while still supporting the load applied by the associated tree. For example, a tree trunk might be cut at an angle such that the hub and hub receptacle are positioned at a 25° relative to each other. It should be understood that while particular angles are noted above, the hub and hub receptacle may be constructed to accommodate angles between them while supporting a load that are both greater than and less than those noted above as the disclosure is not so limited.

In certain instances, it may be desirable to facilitate the positioning of a hub attached to a tree trunk within a hub receptacle of a base. In one embodiment, the base may include a guide surface that at least partially surrounds, and is angled downwardly towards, the hub receptacle of the base. In some instances, the hub receptacle may be positioned in a center of a guide surface that completely surrounds the hub receptacle. The guide surface may be configured as, for example: a flat angled surface, such as a frustoconical surface; a curved surface, such as an inwardly oriented concave surface; or any other appropriately shaped surface as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. With the guide surface surrounding the hub receptacle of the base, the downward force of the hub against the guide surface from the weight of the tree helps to guide the hub towards the hub receptacle. Thus, the guide surface helps to ensure easy positioning of the hub relative to the hub receptacle of the base. It should be understood that the guide surface may either extend only over a portion of the top surface of the base, or it may extend over the entire top surface of the base, as the disclosure is not so limited.

In some embodiments, a base including a hub receptacle for accepting a hub may include a through hole that extends completely through the base. The through hole is sized and shaped to accommodate various structures that may be located within a tree stand. For example, one or more pointed retention features, such as spikes, may be located at a center of the tree stand reservoir to help position and retain a tree trunk at that location during insertion and securement of the tree within the tree stand. Depending on the particular embodiment, the through hole may extend through the hub receptacle of the base. For example, the through hole may pass through a center of the hub receptacle. The through hole may be any appropriate size and/or shape to accommodate features that may be found within a reservoir of a tree stand. Additionally, the through hole may be round, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other appropriate shape, as the disclosure is not so limited. While a through hole has been described, in other embodiments, an appropriately sized and shaped cavity that extends partially through the base may be provided on a bottom surface of the base to accommodate the presence of features in the tree stand reservoir.

It may be desirable to facilitate water access to portions of the tree trunk located beneath and/or covered with a hub. Water access to the cut end of a tree trunk may be provided in a number of ways. For example, in one embodiment, the hub may include a plurality of grooves formed on a surface of the hub that will face and engage the cut end of the tree trunk when positioned thereon. The grooves permit water flow to the exposed portions of the tree trunk located between adjacent grooves. The grooves may have any desired profile and/or pattern. For example, the grooves may have a profile that is rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, or other suitable shape as should be apparent to one of skill. Additionally, the grooves may be arranged in any desired pattern including a linear, a curved, or any other appropriate pattern. In one embodiment, and as described in more detail below in regards to the figures, the grooves may form a linear pattern extending from one side of the hub to the other in straight lines, and the grooves may exhibit a triangular profile when viewed in cross-section.

In embodiments where a hub is intended to be reused, it may be desirable to provide a feature to facilitate removal of the hub from a tree trunk. In one embodiment, a shoulder is formed on a hub surface that faces the tree trunk when the hub is attached thereto. As described in more detail below with regards to the figures, the shoulder may form a step-like shape along a periphery of the hub upper surface. The shoulder may extend around the entire periphery of the hub upper surface, or it may only extend around a portion of the periphery, as the disclosure is not limited in this fashion. Alternatively, in another embodiment, one or more channels may be formed on the surface facing the tree trunk when the hub is attached thereto. Depending on the particular embodiment, when attached to a tree trunk, the shoulder or channel forms a gap between the tree trunk and the hub. This gap permits a prying instrument, such as a screwdriver, cats claw, or other appropriate tool, to be inserted in between the tree trunk and the hub to pry the hub from the tree trunk. To facilitate removing the hub from the tree trunk, in one embodiment, the shoulder or channel may include a flat surface that is substantially parallel to the surface of the hub in contact with the tree trunk.

In embodiments where a base is inserted into a reservoir of a tree stand, it may be desirable to adjust a size and/or configuration of the base to fit within the tree stand reservoir. By adjusting a size or configuration of the base to fit a given reservoir, the base may help locate a hub receptacle of the base at or near a center of the reservoir and/or prevent movement of the base within the reservoir during insertion and orientation of a tree trunk. In one embodiment, a tree stand insert may include a plurality of adjustment members, such as adjustment legs or arms, that are adjustable between a retracted position and one or more extended positions to adjust the size and/or configuration of the base to fit a size of the reservoir. For example, three or more adjustment members may be uniformly distributed around the periphery of a base. The adjustment members may be configured to be adjusted in the radial direction relative to the base periphery. However, arrangements are also contemplated in which the plurality of adjustment members are not arranged uniformly along the perimeter of a base. Depending on the particular arrangement for adjusting the adjustment members between the retracted and extended positions, the adjustment members may be moved to an extended position either prior to or after positioning the base within the tree stand. In one embodiment, the adjustment members include rotatable rods that are threaded into and out of a base for adjusting the size and/or configuration of the base to accommodate the reservoir of a tree stand. Other adjustment arrangements are also contemplated. For example, ratchet and pawl arrangements, detents, interchangeable legs with different lengths, rotatable legs, or any other appropriate arrangement suitable for altering a size and/or configuration of the base to accommodate the size or configuration of a particular tree stand reservoir may be used.

In some instances, structural features that may be located along a bottom surface of a tree stand reservoir may be larger than the clearance provided by the through hole or cavity located on a base of an insert. Thus, it may be desirable to provide an arrangement for spacing the base from a bottom surface of the reservoir to accommodate tree stand features and facilitate desired operation of the hub. In one embodiment, a spacer may be positioned between the base and a bottom surface of the reservoir. The spacer may be configured to elevate the base from a bottom surface of the reservoir so that the hub will not contact the structures located within the reservoir.

Similar to the base, in some embodiments, the spacer may include a through hole or other feature to accommodate the structures located on a bottom surface of the reservoir. As noted above, these structures are typically located at a center of the reservoir bottom surface. In such an embodiment, the through hole, or other appropriate feature, in the spacer may be aligned with the through hole provided in the base.

The spacer and the base may be configured to mate with one another in any appropriate fashion. For example, in one embodiment, the spacer may include one or more locating members, such as ribs, extending from a top surface of the spacer that are configured to mate with corresponding slots or grooves located on a bottom surface of the insert. Consequently, the spacer and base may be assembled using a simple slip fit without the need for any additional screws, adhesives, or other attachment methods. However, other types of attachment may also be used including, for example, corresponding pins and holes, mechanically locking features, threaded features, adhesives, threaded fasteners, as well as corresponding surfaces, to name a few.

It should be understood that the various components and devices described herein may be sized for any appropriate application. For example, the hub may have a diameter or width that is between or equal to about 1 inch to 4 inches, though diameters and widths that are both greater than or less than the dimensions noted above are also contemplated. Additionally, the base may be sized to fit within, and the adjustment members may extend up to, tree stand reservoirs with diameters or widths between or equal to about 3 inches to 10 inches or between or equal to about 4.5 inches to 8 inches However, tree stands with diameters or widths both greater than or less than the dimensions noted above are also contemplated.

The various components and devices described herein may also be made from any appropriate material. For example, a high density plastic such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene may be used. However, materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), metals, composite materials, or any other suitable material may be used, as the disclosure is not limited to any particular material. Additionally, in some instances, the various components, or portions of the components may be coated with an antifriction and/or antiwear coating. For instance, polytetrafluoroethylene, a ceramic, or other appropriate coating material may be applied to the opposing surfaces of the hub and the base to reduce wear and/or friction between them during use.

Turning now to the figures, several particular embodiments are described in more detail. However, it should be understood that the current disclosure is not limited to only those embodiments described herein. Instead, various aspects and features from the different embodiments described herein and depicted within the figures may be combined in any appropriate manner. Additionally, for the sake of convenience, a particular tree stand has been illustrated in the figures. However, it should be understood that the currently disclosed concepts may be used with any appropriate tree stand and that the use of the currently disclosed devices and methods are not limited to use with only the depicted tree stand.

As depicted in FIG. 1, a tree stand 2 includes a base 4 and a reservoir 6 supported by the base. The reservoir 6 is configured to accept the trunk 12 of a tree 10 and can hold water for watering the tree trunk. However, embodiments are contemplated in which the reservoir is not meant to contain water. The trunk 12 of the tree is retained within the reservoir 6 using retention members 8 disposed on, or integrated with, a side wall of the reservoir, or other portion of the tree stand. In one embodiment, the retention members 8 include bolts that are screwed into the trunk 12 to position and secure the trunk in a generally upright position within the reservoir. However, it should be understood that other types of retention members including, for example, a clamping mechanism, wedges, and other appropriate mechanisms could be used. Tree stands may also include various types of retention features, such as spikes, located on a bottom surface of the reservoir 6 to aid in maintaining the trunk 12 in position within the reservoir. As noted previously, it can be difficult to position and align the trunk within the tree stand. This misalignment is illustrated in the figures by the misaligned center line CL1 of the tree stand and center line CL2 of the tree.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a tree positioned using a tree stand system that includes a tree stand insert 100 positioned within a tree stand 2. As depicted in the figure, the tree stand insert is located on a bottom surface of a reservoir 6 of the tree stand. Additionally, the tree stand insert 100 may be generally centered within the reservoir. However, embodiments in which the tree stand insert is not centered within the reservoir are also contemplated. Once positioned within the reservoir, a tree 10 may be inserted into the tree stand so that the trunk 12 is supported by the tree stand insert 100. As illustrated in the figure, the support provided by the tree stand insert facilitates alignment of the center lines CL1 and CL2 of both the tree stand 2 and the tree 10. The specific interactions between the tree trunk 12 and the tree stand insert 100 are described in more detail below.

FIGS. 3-4B depict an illustrative embodiment of the various components and use of a tree stand insert 100 with a tree trunk 12 and a tree stand 2. As depicted in the figures, the tree stand system includes a hub 102 and an insert base 104. Adjustment members 106 of the insert are shown aligned with the retention members 8 of the tree stand for simplicity and in practice they would most likely be staggered in relationship to each other. The construction and interactions of the various components of the tree stand and insert are described in more detail below.

In the depicted embodiment, the hub 102 includes a bearing surface 112 that faces the base 104 when attached to a tree trunk 12. The bearing surface 112 may have any appropriate shape including semispherical, a partial ovoid, a rounded non-spherical shape, or any other appropriate shape suitable for being received by the corresponding hub receptacle. In some embodiments, an upper surface 114 of the hub that faces the tree trunk may be a flat surface. However, in the depicted embodiment, the upper surface 114 of the hub includes a plurality of grooves 116 that provide spaces between the hub and tree trunk to facilitate the water access to the portion of the tree trunk covered by the hub. In the depicted embodiment, the grooves correspond to a plurality of triangular peaks and valleys that linearly extend across the surface. However, other shapes for the grooves including, for example, rounded, square, rectangular, or any other appropriate shape may also be used.

The depicted embodiment of the hub may include a shoulder 118 extending along at least a portion of a periphery of the upper surface 114. While the shoulder may have any desired shape, in one embodiment, the shoulder has a step-like shape such that the shoulder creates a gap between the tree trunk and the hub where a screwdriver, or other instrument, may be inserted to pry the hub from the tree trunk.

In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the hub may include a channel 119 extending at least partially across the width of the upper surface 114. The channel may have any desired shape including, for example, an elongated rectangular shape extending across the entire width of the upper surface of the hub, as shown. However, it is not required that the channel extend across the entire width. For example, the channel may include one or more channels (not shown) that extend inwardly from the outer periphery toward a central portion of the hub.

Similar to the shoulder described above, the channel or channels may form a gap between the tree trunk and the hub where a screwdriver, or other instrument, may be inserted to pry the hub from the tree trunk. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, a hub may include any appropriate feature capable of forming a gap between an associated tree trunk and a surface of the hub to enable the hub to be pried off of the tree trunk.

The hub 102 illustrated in the various embodiments may also include a fastener 120 to attach the hub to the tree trunk. In one embodiment, the fastener 120 includes a nail extending through a hole provided in the hub 102. The nail may be hammered into the tree trunk 12 to attach the hub 102. Other attachment methods, including screws, adhesives, tacks, staples, as well as clips, to name a few, may be used as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.

As depicted in FIGS. 3-4B, the insert base 104 includes a lower surface 104 a that faces a bottom of the reservoir 6 and an upper surface 104 b that faces the tree trunk. The base also has a square or diamond-like configuration with truncated corners 104 c and inwardly curved peripheral edges 104 d. It is to be understood, however, that the base may have any suitable configuration including, but not limited to, circular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other appropriate shape, as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. Additionally, while inwardly curved edges have been depicted in the figures, the base may include straight or outwardly curved edges, as the disclosure is not so limited. Regardless of the particular shape, the base is sized and shaped to fit within the reservoir 6 of the tree stand 2. In the illustrative embodiment, the lower surface 104 a of the base is disposed on the bottom surface of the well 6.

In the illustrative embodiment, adjustment members 106 are located on each of the corners 104 c of the base 104. In one embodiment, the adjustment members include threaded rods that may be rotated between a retracted position and one or more extended positions to adjust the size and/or configuration of the insert. In the retracted position, the adjustment members 106 are fully retracted into the base 104, such that the insert base is adjusted to its reduced or small configuration. In an extended position, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the adjustment members 106 are extended so that they are positioned in close proximity to or contact the sidewalls of the reservoir 6. Thus, the adjustment members may be used to size the base to fit within the reservoir and/or to locate the base within the reservoir while limiting or preventing subsequent movement of the base during positioning of a tree in the tree stand. Depending on the particular tree stand, the adjustment members may also locate the base at or near a center of the reservoir.

In one embodiment, the insert base 104 may include a hub receptacle 108 that is sized and shaped to accept the bearing surface 112 of the hub and retain it therein. Depending on the embodiment, the hub receptacle may be configured with a recessed flat surface, a curved surface, and/or a surface that complements a shape of the rounded surface on the hub. For example, in one embodiment, the bearing surface 112 has a semispherical shape and the hub receptacle 108 has a complementary surface. In the depicted embodiment, the hub receptacle 108 is located in a center of the upper surface 104 b of the base. Thus, the hub receptacle 108 may be located within a center of the reservoir 6 when the base is appropriately positioned.

A tree stand 2 may include retention features 14 located on a bottom surface of the reservoir 6, such as spikes or prongs, used to help maintain the position of a tree trunk 12 during placement and securement of a tree within the tree stand. Consequently, in some embodiments, the base 104 may include a through hole 110 that extends completely through the base from the upper surface 104 b of the base to the lower surface 104 a of the base. The through hole 110 is sized and shaped to accommodate the retention features 14 located on the bottom surface of the reservoir. Additionally, a thickness of the base and depth of the hub receptacle 108 may be selected such that the bearing surface 112 of the hub does not contact the retention features 14 when the hub is located within the hub receptacle.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in some embodiments, the upper surface 104 b of the base may include a guide surface that is configured to guide a tree trunk with an attached hub towards the hub receptacle 108. In the depicted embodiment, the guide surface is an angled surface oriented downwardly towards, and at least partially surrounding, the hub receptacle 108. The guide surface may have any appropriate shape, including a flat angled surface or an inwardly oriented concave surface as depicted in the figures. With the guide surface being angled towards the hub receptacle 108, the guide surface will help direct the hub towards the hub receptacle when the hub is placed onto the upper surface 104 b and a downward force is applied to it.

Having described the various components of the tree stand system and insert 100, its use and operation are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Initially, the tree stand 2 is set up and positioned prior to the base 104 of the tree stand insert 100 being placed into the reservoir 6 of the tree stand. When positioning the base 104, the through hole 110 may be positioned to accommodate the presence of any retention features 14 that may be located on a bottom surface of the reservoir 6. Depending on how the adjustment members 106 are moved between the retracted and extended configurations, the adjustment members 106 may be moved to the extended configuration either prior to, or after positioning of the base 104 within the reservoir 6. As illustrated in the figures, when adjusted to an extended position, one or more of the adjustment members 106 may be adjusted to touch the sidewalls of the reservoir 6. In addition to positioning the insert base 104, the hub 102 is attached to a tree trunk 12 by inserting the fastener 120, corresponding to a nail in the depicted embodiment, into the cut bottom surface of the tree trunk.

After attaching the hub to the tree trunk and positioning the base within the reservoir of the tree stand, the bottom end of the tree trunk 12 and attached hub 102 are inserted into the reservoir 6 of the tree stand, as indicated by arrow D in FIG. 4A. As the tree trunk is inserted into the reservoir 6, the hub 104 may contact the guide surface 104 b of the base which guides the hub towards the hub receptacle 108. In this manner, the hub 104 may slide towards a center portion of the guide surface 104 b of the base and the hub receptacle 108 in response to the weight of the tree acting on the hub and guide surface and/or forces applied by the user. Once the tree trunk 12 and attached hub 102 have slid into the center of the guide surface 104 b, the hub is received by the hub receptacle 108. Once positioned, the hub 102 may be freely rotated and angled within the hub receptacle 108 to vertically orient the tree and rotate it to a desired upright position, as indicated by arrows O and R. Although a flat surface has been depicted on the end of the tree trunk 12, it is to be understood that the tree trunk may be cut at an angle. This would result in a central axis of the hub being positioned at an angle relative to a central axis of the hub receptacle and base when the tree is oriented in an upright position, which may have a generally vertical orientation.

After the tree is positioned in the desired orientation, the retention members 8 are tightened to secure the tree trunk 12 within the tree stand 2. In instances where a natural tree is positioned within the tree stand 2, water can be added to the reservoir 6 which can then be absorbed through portions of the cut end of the tree trunk 12 around the hub 102 and portions of the tree trunk between the grooves 116 located on the upper surface of the hub.

When it is desired to remove the tree trunk 12 from the tree stand, the user may simply hold the tree in the upright position while the retention members 8 are loosened to release the tree trunk 12. The tree trunk and attached hub 102 are then removed from the reservoir 6 of the tree stand. Depending on the embodiment, the attached hub may remain with the tree. Alternatively, in embodiments where the hub 102 is intended to be reused, a tool, such as a screwdriver, may be inserted into the gap located between the shoulder 118 formed in the hub and the bottom cut end of the tree trunk 12. The tool is then used to pry and/or otherwise loosen the hub from the tree trunk by removing the fastener 120. In another embodiment where the fastener is a screw, a screwdriver or handheld drill with an appropriate bit, may be used to unscrew the fastener 120 from the tree trunk 12 in order to remove the hub.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an embodiment of a tree stand 2 including retention features 14 located on a bottom surface of the reservoir 6 of sufficient size to interfere with the placement and operation of the tree stand insert. Consequently, it may be desirable to elevate the insert base 104 and the hub 102 above the bottom surface of the reservoir to avoid interference with operation of the tree stand insert. In the depicted embodiment, a spacer 122 may be located between the base 104 and a bottom surface of the reservoir 6. The spacer 122 may include a through hole 130 that is sized and shaped to accommodate the retention features 14. Additionally, the through hole 130 may be aligned with the through hole 110 of the base 104 when the base and spacer are both positioned within the reservoir.

The spacer 122 and base 104 may be configured to detachably or permanently mate with one another in any appropriate fashion. For example, pins and holes, mechanically locking features, mating threaded features, adhesives, receptacles, bolts, appropriately shaped corresponding surfaces, and other suitable types of connections may be used. In one embodiment, one or more locating members 126, such as ribs, extend upwardly from the spacer base 124 and form a slip fit with one or more corresponding slots 128 formed in the base 104. A thickness of the spacer base 124 and height of the one or more locating members 126 is selected to sufficiently elevate the base 104 above the bottom of the reservoir 6 by an amount sufficient to prevent the retention features 14 from interfering with operation of the tree stand insert.

FIGS. 8A-9 depict various orientations of another illustrative embodiment of a tree stand insert 100 and its placement within a tree stand 2. Similar to the embodiments described above, the tree stand insert 100 includes a base 104 with a plurality of adjustment members, such as adjustment members 106. However, in the illustrative embodiment, each adjustment member 106 has a fixed length and is rotatable between a retracted position and one or more extended positions. When rotated inwardly to the retracted position, the adjustment members are positioned inwardly of the outer periphery of the base 104. Conversely, when rotated outwardly to an extended position, the adjustment members extend outwardly from the base 104. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the adjustment members may be extended so that they are located in proximity to or contact the sidewalls of the tree stand reservoir 6 to accommodate a size of the reservoir, appropriately locate the base 104 within the reservoir, and/or prevent or limit movement of the base relative to the reservoir. To maintain the adjustment members 106 in a desired retracted or extended position, the base 104 may include a locking mechanism or arrangement 132 associated with each adjustment member. It should be understood that the locking arrangement may include any appropriate component or design suitable for maintaining the adjustment members in the desired orientation during use. For example, the locking arrangement may include a detent mechanism, a quick compression connection, a friction interface, or any other suitable arrangement or mechanism. In one embodiment shown in the figures, the base may employ a position lock 132 that includes a bolted connection that can be manually loosened and tightened.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a tree stand 2 including various features to facilitate positioning of a tree. Similar to the embodiments described above, a hub may be attached to a cut end of a tree trunk. However, in this embodiment, a separate insert is not required. Rather, the tree stand includes a hub receptacle 202 located at a bottom portion of the reservoir. In one embodiment, the hub receptacle is integrally formed as part of a bottom surface 200 of the reservoir 6. The hub receptacle 202 may be located in a center portion of the reservoir and shaped and sized to receive and accept a corresponding hub. However, embodiments are also contemplated with off-center locations of the hub receptacle 202.

The bottom portion of the reservoir surrounding the hub receptacle 202 may be flat, or it may include a guide surface that is angled down towards the hub receptacle 202 to guide the hub towards the hub receptacle, such as described above for the tree stand insert. In embodiments where the tree stand includes a guide surface angled towards the hub receptacle 202, the bottom of the reservoir may include a frustoconical surface, an inwardly oriented concave surface, or any appropriate shape as the disclosure is not so limited.

In one embodiment, the tree stand 2 may also include an open space or cavity 204 located below the hub receptacle 202. The cavity 204 may be sized and shaped to avoid interference between a fastener located on a bottom of the hub and the hub receptacle 202. However, embodiments are also contemplated in which the cavity 204 is not provided.

In view of the above noted features, the tree stand 2 may be used in a similar fashion to the tree stand system described above. While an illustrative embodiment of a tree stand has been described with an integrally formed hub receptacle and guide surface, it is to be appreciated that, the hub receptacle and guide surface may be integrally formed with the bottom surface of the reservoir, assembled to the bottom surface of the reservoir, or disposed on top of a bottom surface of the reservoir, as the disclosure is not so limited.

While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tree stand system comprising: a hub constructed and arranged to be attached to a tree trunk; and a base constructed and arranged to be removably positioned within a reservoir of a tree stand, the base including a hub receptacle constructed and arranged to adjustably support the hub on the base.
 2. The tree stand system of claim 1, wherein the base includes a through hole constructed and arranged to accommodate a structure located within the reservoir.
 3. The tree stand system of claim 1, wherein the hub further comprises a plurality of grooves constructed and arranged to engage a surface of the tree trunk when the hub is attached thereto.
 4. The tree stand system of claim 1, wherein the hub includes a shoulder or channel that forms a gap between the tree trunk and the hub when the hub is attached to the tree trunk.
 5. The tree stand system of claim 1, wherein the base includes a guide surface at least partially surrounding and angled down towards the hub receptacle.
 6. The tree stand system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of adjustment members, each adjustment member constructed and arranged to be adjusted between a retracted position and one or more extended positions to adjust a size and/or configuration of the base relative to the reservoir.
 7. The tree stand system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of adjustment members comprises at least three adjustment members.
 8. The tree stand system of claim 1, further comprising a spacer constructed and arranged to elevate the base above a bottom surface of the reservoir.
 9. The tree stand system of claim 8, wherein the spacer comprises a through hole constructed and arranged to accommodate a feature located within the reservoir.
 10. The tree stand system of claim 1, wherein the hub is attached to the tree trunk using a fastener.
 11. The tree stand system of claim 10, wherein the fastener includes a nail passing through the hub.
 12. The tree stand system of claim 1, wherein the hub has a semispherical configuration.
 13. The tree stand system of claim 1, wherein the hub complements a shape of the hub receptacle.
 14. A method comprising: attaching a hub to a tree trunk; positioning a base within a reservoir of a tree stand, the base including a hub receptacle constructed and arranged to adjustably support the hub on the base; inserting the tree trunk into the tree stand; and positioning the hub within the hub receptacle.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising adjusting an orientation of the tree trunk with the hub positioned within the hub receptacle.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising guiding the hub toward the hub receptacle on a guide surface that at least partially surrounds and is angled down towards the hub receptacle.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising moving the hub along the guide surface towards the hub receptacle.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising adjusting one or more of a plurality of adjustment members relative to the base between a retracted position and an extended position to adjust the size and/or configuration of the base relative to the reservoir.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning a spacer between the base and a bottom surface of the reservoir to elevate the base above the bottom surface of the reservoir.
 20. A tree stand system comprising: a tree stand including a reservoir that is constructed and arranged to receive a tree trunk therein; a hub receptacle located at a bottom portion of the reservoir, the hub receptacle constructed and arranged to support a hub attached to a tree trunk; and a guide surface at least partially surrounding and angled in a downward direction towards the hub receptacle to guide the hub towards the hub receptacle.
 21. The tree stand system of claim 20, wherein the guide surface includes an inwardly oriented concave surface.
 22. The tree stand system of claim 20, wherein the tree stand includes one or more retaining members to secure a tree trunk in the reservoir. 